Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work fine, but you'll want to peel them completely and be thorough about removing the seeds, as their skin can be bitter and they contain more water in the seed cavity. English cucumbers have thinner, more tender skin and fewer seeds, which is why they're preferred in this recipe.

My red onions are too strong. How can I mellow their flavor?

If your red onions have a particularly pungent bite, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the salad. This removes some of the harsh compounds while maintaining the crisp texture and color. Another option is to use sliced green onions for a milder onion flavor.

How can I make this salad ahead for a party without it getting soggy?

For the freshest presentation, prepare all components separately up to a day ahead. Store the cut vegetables in paper towel-lined containers to absorb excess moisture. Keep the dressing, herbs, and feta separate. About 30 minutes before serving, combine everything, allowing the flavors to meld slightly while maintaining optimal texture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative I can use instead of feta cheese?

For a dairy-free version, you can either omit the cheese entirely (the salad is still delicious without it) or use a dairy-free feta alternative, which many grocery stores now carry. Another option is to add extra olives and a diced avocado for creaminess, though this will change the flavor profile slightly.

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe

Name: Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 cups diced English cucumber (about 2 large English cucumbers); 2 cups diced cherry or grape tomatoes (about 10 ounces); 1 cup diced red onion (about ½ a medium onion); ⅔ cup sliced kalamata olives, drained; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint; 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is a refreshing explosion of flavors that brings the sunny Mediterranean coast right to your kitchen table. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing, this vibrant salad comes together in just 20 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Vibrant: The combination of crisp vegetables and bright herbs creates a refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot days.
Quick and Simple: From start to finish in just 20 minutes, with simple chopping and tossing – no complicated techniques required!
Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with veggies, healthy fats from olive oil and olives, and protein from feta cheese.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a side dish, light lunch, or can be transformed into a more substantial meal with additions.
No Cooking Required: When it’s too hot to turn on the stove, this no-cook recipe is your best friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

English cucumbers: The star of the show! These have thinner skin and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers, giving you that perfect crunch without bitterness. If you can only find regular cucumbers, just peel them and remove the seeds.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: These little gems provide bursts of juicy sweetness. They hold their shape better than larger tomatoes when diced, keeping your salad from getting soggy.
Red onion: Adds a pleasant bite and beautiful purple color contrast. Soak in cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
Kalamata olives: These bring that distinctive Mediterranean flavor and a meaty texture. Their rich, fruity brininess is what makes this salad special.
Feta cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy element that balances the fresh vegetables perfectly. Buy a block and crumble it yourself for the best flavor.
Fresh mint and basil: These herbs elevate the salad from good to amazing with their aromatic qualities. Don’t substitute dried herbs here – fresh is essential.
Olive oil: Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for that authentic Mediterranean flavor. This is where the richness comes from!
Red wine vinegar: Provides the perfect acidic balance to the oil. Its fruity undertones complement the vegetables beautifully.
Dijon mustard: Acts as an emulsifier for the dressing while adding depth of flavor.
Garlic powder: Gives a hint of garlic flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Feel free to use fresh minced garlic if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your Mediterranean Cucumber Salad? Here are some delicious options:

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas to transform it into a complete meal.
Grain Addition: Mix in cooked and cooled quinoa, farro, or orzo pasta to make it more substantial.
Veggie Swap: Try adding diced bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or zucchini for variety.
Cheese Options: Substitute goat cheese or mozzarella pearls if feta isn’t your favorite.
Herb Variations: Experiment with dill, oregano, or parsley instead of (or in addition to) mint and basil.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

How to Make Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Cut the ends off the English cucumbers, then halve them lengthwise. Cut each half lengthwise again and use a spoon to scoop out all seeds. Slice each quarter into strips lengthwise, then dice into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife.

Step 2: Prepare the Other Vegetables

Dice the cherry or grape tomatoes into quarters or halves, depending on their size. Finely dice the red onion. Drain the kalamata olives and slice them.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and sliced olives. Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh mint and basil.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Seed the Cucumbers: Don’t skip removing the cucumber seeds – this prevents excess moisture that can make your salad soggy.
Uniform Cutting: Try to dice all vegetables in similar sizes for the best eating experience and visual appeal.
Chill the Components: For the crispest salad, chill the cucumbers and tomatoes before cutting them.
Dressing Ahead: Make the dressing up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator; just shake or whisk again before using.
Salt Timing: If making ahead, add the salt just before serving to prevent the vegetables from releasing excess water.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Always use fresh herbs in this salad – they make a world of difference compared to dried varieties.

How to Serve

This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

As a Side Dish

Pair it with grilled proteins like chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, or roasted fish for a complete Mediterranean meal.

As a Light Meal

Serve a larger portion with warm pita bread or crusty baguette on the side for a refreshing lunch.

For Entertaining

Serve it as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus, tzatziki, and stuffed grape leaves for a impressive spread at gatherings.

Presentation

For an elegant presentation, serve in a shallow bowl lined with lettuce leaves and garnish with extra herbs and a lemon wedge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components

You can prep all the vegetables and make the dressing up to 24 hours ahead. Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

This salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the vegetables will soften somewhat. The flavors often improve after the ingredients have had time to mingle.

Meal Prep Option

For meal prep, store the dressing separately and add it just before eating to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

Note: This salad does not freeze well due to the high water content of the fresh vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work fine, but you’ll want to peel them completely and be thorough about removing the seeds, as their skin can be bitter and they contain more water in the seed cavity. English cucumbers have thinner, more tender skin and fewer seeds, which is why they’re preferred in this recipe.
My red onions are too strong. How can I mellow their flavor?

If your red onions have a particularly pungent bite, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the salad. This removes some of the harsh compounds while maintaining the crisp texture and color. Another option is to use sliced green onions for a milder onion flavor.
How can I make this salad ahead for a party without it getting soggy?

For the freshest presentation, prepare all components separately up to a day ahead. Store the cut vegetables in paper towel-lined containers to absorb excess moisture. Keep the dressing, herbs, and feta separate. About 30 minutes before serving, combine everything, allowing the flavors to meld slightly while maintaining optimal texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative I can use instead of feta cheese?

For a dairy-free version, you can either omit the cheese entirely (the salad is still delicious without it) or use a dairy-free feta alternative, which many grocery stores now carry. Another option is to add extra olives and a diced avocado for creaminess, though this will change the flavor profile slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is sunshine in a bowl – simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. What I love most about this recipe is how it celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients without any fuss. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a light lunch on a warm afternoon, this vibrant salad delivers big Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you for the mini vacation to the Mediterranean coast!